Forums

Calendar

Everything posted by Lisa Sene

Hi Eric,
If you can, go to NAB or Cinegear and check out monitors in person. Cinegear is outside, so you'll have a better chance of seeing how they perform in daylight. Also possible at a rental house - ask them nicely (and maybe bring cookies) if you can check out a few different monitors one day in their parking lot. Personally, I settled on the smallHD 703. It can be blindly reflective when angled directly at the sun, but has otherwise been wonderful for day exterior work. I'm still exploring solutions to solve the reflectivity (custom cut anti-reflective glass being one).
Happy flying!
Lisa

Hi Sean,
As Tom said, it sounds like a workshop would benefit you. Here are a few more options in addition to the one Tom linked:
Tiffen Workshops
SOA Workshop
Another great resource is The Steadicam Operator's Handbook. Though it's a great guide, it can't replace someone with experience making sure your vest is fitting correctly, you're walking correctly, holding the rig correctly, etc. - all of which could be contributing to your footsteps translating to your frame.
Happy flying!
Lisa

Hey Pete,
You've probably tried this - have you tested with the ride knob adjusted differently? Does the movement change at all? Hard to see where it was set from the angle in the video, though if it's a heavier load, you'll likely need more visible threads (i.e. more iso).
Is it doing it only on the top section of the arm, or the bottom as well?
Lisa

New York Operators - Metro Camera Cars is doing demos of their E-Trike over the next two weekends. See the Facebook event here with dates and times, and to RSVP.
From the event page:
"The E-Trike for Steadicam and Gimbal Ops will be rigged and ready for demo runs. No gear needed, we'll have everything setup for you to get acquainted and do a few test runs.We'll do a simulated scene, leading talent through the hallway and into Lightbulb Grip & Electric. We can reset and practice the run with stepping off and stepping on if folks are interested.It's a loose format, conversation, test runs and talking shop.During and After the event we can take the rest of the folks waiting to ride outside to checkout the Camera Car and talk shop.Days/TimesSunday Feb 17th- Steadicam Day - 1pm-4pmSaturday Feb 23th- Gimbal Day - 1pm-4pmSunday Feb 24th- Steadicam Day - 1pm-4pmAddress1027 Grand Street, Unit #133, Brooklyn NY, 11211Times may change slightly but this seems good for most people thus far. Please let me know who you're bringing if you're inviting another Op to the demo. We don't want it getting overcrowded and diminish the test times for individuals."
Lisa

Hi Cedric,
As for feeling as though you are losing your balance on stairs, does that happen when walking backwards or in Don Juan, or both? You may benefit from seeking out a good physical therapist who understands the industry a bit and/or can understand how you are using your body while operating. He or she can then help you train your vestibular system (inner ear balance) to achieve better balance in general, and while operating.
If you're anywhere near New York, there is a fantastic PT who used to be an AC, Liz Cash, who I started working with recently. We've just started to do specific vestibular work with my rig during workouts, which has made me realize things about my stance, balance, and footwear that I wasn't previously aware of. In addition to vestibular work, she also focuses on evening out strength and mobility across your body (important for Steadicam and handheld, since we generally use half of the body for those tasks more so than the other), and ensuring you have full range of motion in all parts of your body where you should (and how to get it back if you've lost it). She takes a measured and intellectual approach to PT, overall fitness, and nutrition, and I cannot recommend her enough!
Happy flying!
Lisa

Hi Kevin,
You'll need the smaller socket block to use your A30 arm on an Exovest. There is a smaller version of the Exovest, the Exolite, though you're better off getting the regular Exovest. It will be future-proof if you upgrade your sled and arm, and you'll never have to worry about stressing the parts under heavier loads.
That said, make sure you try it first and have someone fit it to you if you aren't familiar with the Exovest. The fit is very specific, and it can be uncomfortable if it's not sitting on your body correctly. You'll also walk a bit differently than you do in a traditional-style vest, as you must let your pelvic bones rise and fall (as they do naturally when you walk without a rig). In a traditional-style vest, you work to hold your pelvis level so your footsteps don't translate to the sled. There are pivot points in the Exovest that compensate for the rise and fall of your pelvic bones, allowing you to walk more normally.
The Exovest is also much more unforgiving if you are not standing up straight because of those same pivot points. Not a bad thing in my opinion, as you should be in good form anyway!
Happy flying!
Lisa

Hi Sawyer,
As Tom said, it looks like your gimbal likely needs to be re-centered. It would be best to send the sled to the factory for them to do a full checkup, as it may be the gimbal, or something else, or a combination of a few things.
Lisa

Hi Kevin,
I'll echo Chris in that the Zephyr vest is very capable, though a word of caution - do make sure you're not extending the capacity of the vest. I witnessed the plastic waistband on a lighter-weight vest snap at a workshop under a heavy load (M-1, G-70x arm, at least 25lb camera payload). Not only is that unfortunate because it's a broken vest, but, more concernedly, it could also hurt your body due to the sudden, unexpected shift in weight distribution across your body.
Be safe!
Lisa

Hi Cedric,
I typically stay in Missionary whenever possible because I feel I have more control over my frame than in Don Juan, though it does depend on the speed and complexity of the move, if stairs are involved, and how comfortable I am with my spotter. If it's a very fast move with lots of obstacles, and if I'm unsure of my spotter's ability to guide me and catch me if I do trip, then I'll do Don Juan so I have a better chance of navigating myself.
It's a good idea to talk with your spotter and explain to him or her what your preferences are in spotting - where to hold your vest, if you prefer to be pulled or poked for navigation, and how to catch you if you do trip. I usually do a trust fall of sorts with new spotters to show them how much weight they will have to support if I do fall. Most are surprised at how much heavier I am with a rig on, which tells me they probably would not have been prepared to hold that much weight in the event of a fall before my showing them, and I likely would have taken them down with me.
Happy flying!
Lisa

Hi Kit,
There are a lot of factors in deciding on an upgrade. As it seems you already have, think about the typical build you'll be using for your market. Can the new system handle the total payload, as well as power needs? If you put a Ronin on your Solo arm with that camera setup, make sure the arm payload can take the full weight of the camera build and the Ronin. Make sure you have mounting options for your accessories, and a monitoring solution.
Also think about the differences in movement in Steadicam and Ronin; they are both very different tools. Which one serves the needs of your clientele the most?
Happy flying!
Lisa

Hi Adam,
Jerry's advice recommending that you to find a local operator to guide you is your best option. You can also look into taking a workshop (Tiffen offers several levels here, and the SOA offers a workshop here). The handbook is also a phenomenal resource, though technique is best learned by doing, and having someone helping you who can teach you proper form, and make sure the vest (and thus load) is sitting on your body in the correct way (from the picture, the vest looks like it might be a little crooked).
As Jerry said, find someone to help and/or take a workshop before doing more. It's a lot easier to learn the correct way rather than unlearning bad habits, and it's much easier to start with the correct form rather than rehabbing injury from bad form.
Also - welcome to the community! From the look on your face in the picture, and your enthusiasm expressed in your posts, it's easy to see your excitement. Keep going!
Lisa

Hi Jared,
I've been well, I hope you're well too!
Check out this site, which a great key grip just told me about recently: www.fallprotectionpros.com. They have harnesses and lanyards and fall limiters that are all rated correctly in terms of what we'd be looking for. I've been meaning to reach out to them to learn more but haven't had a chance yet. At the very least, you want one of the lanyards that has the crinkled up part (for lack of better terminology) which will give a little slack in the event that the line comes into use. My key grip friend pointed out that if you have a line with no crinkle, you could end up breaking a bone due to the shock of the line with absolutely no give in it. Again, I would talk to a rep at that site before buying anything as they can best advise and explain.
Lisa

Hey Jared!
The WK vehicle mount is very well made and great for versatility since it has both a Mitchell mount and speed rail mount option.
As far as a harness and safety gear, I use this full-body climbing harness, and typically wear it backwards so I can be clipped in on my back. I also have this climbing harness, though I have never used it on a job since I always feel safer in the full-body version; I want my full torso secured rather than my bottom half only. I'm usually clipped in via thick webbing and and a strong carabiner clip meant for climbing. I carry several length loops and thicknesses of webbing in my kit, and lots of carabiners.
I also wear hard side skateboarding knee pads and a helmet (I use one from horseback riding, since the potential fall height and general speed is about the same - if we're going faster than a horse, I probably don't want to be doing that shot!). In addition to protection from falls, knee pads and helmets are also useful if your knees/head are near speed rail, knobs, or any other hard object that you could whack into while in motion.
Make sure you have something soft to wrap around a pole if you're leaning against it (like an India mount or speed rail), and a place for your feet. I carry a spool of thick webbing (easy to find at REI or marine supply store) that can be cut and tied off to use as stirrups in a pinch.
It's also good to have some vectran (check a marine supply store) for a very strong but thin rope to tie off the arm to keep it from bottoming out or extending past its intended reach - also useful to keep it secure before the sled goes on.
Finally, make sure you have a method of clear communication between you and the driver so you can communicate immediately if you need to stop in an emergency.
Happy (and safe) flying!
Lisa

Hi Geoffrey,
I recommend taking a workshop before making any purchase decisions. That will give you access to a few types of sleds, arms, and vests. While the workshop rigs are usually all under the Tiffen umbrella, other rigs (and typically other vests) do appear. You'll also meet a lot of operators who may own other brands of gear, or know operators in your area who do, and may let you try it out.
Overall, try before you buy! See what works for you, and know the camera payloads that are used in your market on the jobs you want to be doing. Larger union shows might have beefier builds that is pushing it for an Archer setup, though small corporate work might have smaller cameras that are perfect for a mid-size setup. It's possible to fly larger builds on an Archer, though make sure you are not constantly overloading the sled (Archer or whatever you go for), as it can cause unseen damage over time.
Happy flying!
Lisa

Hi Tom,
The Zephyr arms usually come with a webbing loop around the aircraft pin - see the red vertical line in the attached picture. I've also seen folks attach a loop through the bottom circle, highlighted in the picture with the red circle.
While I usually put my G-50x arm on my cart if it's nearby, if I'm working off my rolling stand, I hang it. I use a spare Domke lens wrap around the stand to cushion it where the arm touches so it doesn't get dinged up when it's moved.
Happy flying!
Lisa

Hi Benjamin,
Depending on what condition the used Archer 1 is in, it could be an awesome sled. I was very lucky and found a great one on this forum that I was able to slowly upgrade parts of over time. Camera payload is the same on the Archer 1 and 2 - 30lbs max, which doesn't sound like much, but can be a fully built-up Alexa if you're smart about it. I have a small postal scale to make sure I'm within the range, and spec everything out beforehand if I think I'll be pushing it weight-wise. Personally I never go over 30lb with my sled because it can cause hidden damage such as the stage and yoke expanding over time.
The most challenging part of an Archer 1 is the curved base, which is not as modular as some other sleds out there. All that really means is you have to have some creativity when balancing, as the monitor mount is completely fixed, and you can only move the battery so far in with the curved base. I used a system of different sized threaded weights (1/4 lb and 1 lb) on the monitor yoke and on the bottom rods. Was is ever a detriment time-wise? No. As I do with any new piece of gear, I spent some time when I first got the sled learning where I needed which weights in order to balance efficiently.
All that said, I wouldn't rule out an Archer 2 (or any other brand/model of sled) if it's in your price range. If you can, test it out before you buy if you are buying used so you know about any issues up front. Good luck!
Lisa

Hi Gary,
Welcome! Usually a bounce in your image is due to your footsteps being translated into the rig. In the style of vest that appears to come with the Flycam Vista 11, you will need to make sure you're walking such that your pelvis is level when you're operating. As humans, our pelvis naturally rises and falls as we walk, which will translate into your shot unless you learn to control it or have a different style of vest.
That said, it could be coming from something else in technique, or the gear itself. The best way to figure it out would be to take a Bronze workshop (https://tiffen.com/flysteadicam/)to check your form, and bring your gear along to have the instructor take a look. Where are you located? You could also look up local operators in your area and see if one of them would be willing to do a quick session with you to help diagnose the cause.
Another wonderful resource here: The Steadicam Operator's Handbook
Happy flying!

Hi Justin,
There is usually a Tiffen Gold Workshop in GA in the fall. The 2018 dates aren't up yet, but it will eventually be posted here: https://tiffen.com/flysteadicam/
I took a two-day workshop (the equivalent of a "Bronze" workshops on the Tiffen site now) when I was first starting out, before I had a rig. That was enough to teach me the basics and see if Steadicam was a good fit for me. A few years later, I took the week-long SOA workshop (https://www.steadicam-ops.com/) which is in PA. Worth every penny for the knowledge, and a phenomenal experience.
I also got a lot of valuable advice on how and where to purchase a rig from talking to instructors and operators at the workshop, in addition to trying several types of Tiffen rigs and vests to figure out what worked best for me. The SOA workshop allowed me try out an Exovest for several days, surrounded by people who knew how to fit it properly, which is ultimately why I use one today. Tiffen gear is what is available at the workshops I mentioned, but is obviously not the only brand out there. Local operators typically show up at the week-long workshops (especially SOA) and will have experience with multiple brands of gear. It's helpful to talk to everyone you meet about what they have and why they like it (or why they want to change it!), and try the gear for yourself before forming any opinions. If you're lucky, you might connect with someone who will let you try out their gear!
Before the workshop, I had been wary of buying used gear because I was new to the community and didn't know any sellers, but ended up getting a used arm and sled via this forum because Jerry and the other instructors told all the students to run names of who is selling by them; if they didn't know the operator personally, they probably knew someone else who would.
If you're sure Steadicam is what you want, make the investment in yourself and go for an SOA or Gold workshop. If you're still testing the waters before investing more money, try a Bronze workshop. Both will be wonderful experiences and help you in ways you didn't even imagine.
Good luck!

Whichever vest she buys, it would be great if she has the opportunity to test it out before she makes the purchase! That way she can make sure she has the proper fit, and it's the correct style of vest for her.

Hi Dominik,
1. Not sure if the stock monitor has changed, but I swapped it for a 7 in Marshall when I was using a Zephyr. Easy to change. Also a good idea to get a yoke mount for whichever monitor you end up with so it tilts on its own center of gravity.
2. A more expensive rig does not equal fantastic shots; it's all in how much you practice.
3. The Aero 15 and Aero 30 are the newer models of the Zephyr. That said, there a many used Zephyrs floating around which could save you some money up front. Again, it's not about the rig, it's about what you do with it.
I haven't flown with an Optimo 30-76, so I'm not sure if the weight shifts fore-and-aft. If it does, just trim your balance to correct; you'll still be in dynamic balance so long as you don't adjust the monitor or battery on the bottom.
Practice with as many different focal lengths as you can, as you will be asked to fly a wide range. There's no magic number that is easier than another. Very wide lenses are less forgiving on imperfect horizons, and very telephoto lenses can make holding a moving subject in frame tricky. Practice both! If you haven't already, look into taking a workshop.
Happy flying!
Lisa